WAR INCREASES CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 123, 26 May 1941, Page 8

WAR INCREASES CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Co-operation and Individual Effort DUTIES DEMAND SACRIFICE AND COURAGE “We are entering upon a period, the events of which, it is no exaggeration to say, will decide the fate of our democratic civilisation,” said tho Mayor of Feilding, Mr. T. L. Seddon, when addressing councillors at a special meeting of tho council on Saturday morning, when the new council was sworn in. “There is no disguising the fact that tho war has arrived at a serious phase and the tempo of tho conflict is quickening. The Battle of the Atlantic has reached a very critical stage and although there are signs of some improvement the issue depends upon tho help of our American friends. The danger of tho invasion of the Motherland is ever present, but as her power •to strike back increases, as the spirit of the people remains unbroken Britain will emerge conquering and unconquered despite tho ruthless and inhuman attacks uopn her civilian population and the destruction of her national shrines. “The immediate danger is the battle of the Mediterranean and here we must win because to fail would isolate Britain from her Dominions and materially affect other phases of our effort, particularly tho blockade of our enemies. This sphere of activity concerns us more because our kindred are there. Wo are proud of tho part they are playing these modern counterparts of the heroes of the classic ago and while wo pay the price in blood and tears wo shall also share the fruits of final victory. “I havo spoke at length of the war situation because you as a council are charged with the prosecution of the war on the home front. I am chairman of the District Patriotic Committee and tho organisations under the Emergency Reserve Corps Regulations and you each have your appointed place in the order of tilings.' The full co-opera-tion and individual effort of each and every one of you coupled with the response of every citizen according to his means and ability is not only required -—it is demanded if we are to win through. Y.our duties will involve sacrifice and courage. You will realise that while the life of tho community must as far as possible proceed normally, citizens must remember that in a war period first things must come first,” he concluded.